[LIFESTYLE] Heart Disease Prevention

How to prevent from getting a heart disease

Did you know that 1 out of 2 Malaysian adults are suffering from high cholesterol? And to make it worst, 42% of Malaysians who have high cholesterol are below the ages of 40 years old. Im 24 this year and it has been confirmed that individuals as young as in their 20s are diagnosed with heart disease. And if you go deeper, cardiovascular disease is usually responsible for one-quarter of hospital deaths.

That’s pretty insane since im considered under the category, thus the reason why im here to spread the awareness by sharing you on ways on how to take care of the heart. I think it’s a big concern that the number of deaths due to heart diseases has increased over the years and I believe that there are ways to prevent heart diseases.

PC: kuali.com

PC: purelyb.com

Being Malaysian, I think we all know that we are guilty of having sinful Malaysian delicacies such as Nasi Lemak, Oily Roti Canai, Pisang Goreng, and many more of our mamak dishes that’s usually available around the clock. These are unhealthy habits that we Malaysian have unnoticeably adopted since its always conveniently available almost in any part of the country. Another reason why the statistical numbers of heart diseases are increasing is because we are slowly adapting to a busier lifestyle, which generally leads us to lack of exercise.

Going for a regular jog in KLCC park

If you know me, I think you would know how hectic my lifestyle can be. Especially when im traveling, studying, working and blogging all at one go. Despite being busy all year round, I still take the initiative to get my heart pumping every once in a while (even with a busy schedule). My little secret is simple. You can actually consider doing 10-minute exercises twice a week before heading off to bed, or sign up for marathons.

By going for marathons,  I think it helps me challenge myself to constantly exercise to prevent injuries during the big race. But at the same time, it also helps my heart to stay in good shape. You can start with shorter distances if you're a first timer, otherwise you can also opt to go for long walks in the park after work. Reducing on your cholesterol intake and replacing some of the amounts with fruits and vegies would also help too! So, in my case, instead of snacking on fast food, I would snack on fruits instead.

Heart health care should begin early, so its best that we prevent it than before looking for a cure instead. Just remind yourself to keep a balance diet, practice physical activities and go for regular medical check ups. Alternatively, consuming Nestle Omega Plus milk helps too! It contains sterols that can help lower cholesterol, making it a great drink to drink for those who are always on the go.

So I guess that’s about it! If you have your personal ways of how you manage your heart health, please do leave your suggestions below so that we can all prevent and share tips on how to prevent getting a heart disease together. I would love to know more about how you keep your cholesterol levels low and your heart in good shape. I hope this blog post helps, and stay tuned for my next blog post xx

Unboxing CubeCrate; August 2016 Box

August Cubecrate Box

Its that time of the month again where i'll be unboxing my CubeCrate's August 2016 box. And just in case you havent heard about Cube Crate, its a monthly mystery subscription box where i'll usually find new discoveries and get to keep new products that are actually pretty amazing to have. So lets do this, can you guess whats in this months box? Here's a clue, its all about self pampering while you look pretty!

Its already two-third through the year and i think we all had a rough year by working so hard that we forget to reward ourselves with relaxation and self-pampering. Most likely you've already guessed what this month's box features, so to find out if youre right, the August box features 3 amazing brands which would be J&E Botanicals, ILSA Soap Wagon and BonBons Handmade accessories. And what do all these 3 brands have in common? Its all handcrafted with love, making it exclusively made just for you. I have to say that i admire handmade products, cause without fail, it will definitely make you feel special.

J&E Botanicals

Grapefruit Lippie Balm

First featured item thats in my CubeCrate box would be a Grapefruit Cooler lippie balm by J&E Botanicals. J&E Botanicals focuses on handcrafted home and personal care products which are born out of the believe for a better natural lifestyle, away from sans toxic synthetic chemicals. Calling all anti usage of chemicals, this would be an option for you if youre a fan of naturally made care products.

Handmade and moisturising

I got a lippie balm that came in a plastic lipbalm tube. I assume that they are a new brand in the market as the packaging looked very DIY where the label was sticked with tape to keep it in tack. Nevertheless, i believe that the quality of the product is what matters more to me. The balm is to be used 6 months from the date of purchase and its not recommended for highly sensitive and light pigmented skin. I think its really considerate for them to put fine details on the lip balm labels actually. And after giving it a swipe, i have to say that the balm does keep my lips moisturised on a hot sunny day when my lips are dry. Upon swiping it on my lips, it smoothly glides on my lips leaving a slight cooling sensation, which explains why its called Grapefruit cooler. YAS! Despite how simple the packaging looks, i have to say that the formulation is impressive. Chech them out at www.facebook.com/jne-botanicals for more products that they have to offer.

ILSA Soap Wagon

ILSA soap wagon // Peppermint Essential Oil

Close up shot

Next in my box features an item from ILSA Soap Wagon. The brand is well known for their handmade products which are vegan and never tested on animal which makes it cruelty free. Most of their products are revolved around ingredients like Olive Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil and etc with the aim to provide you only the best benefits for your skin. And despite being famous for their handmade soaps, i got myself an essential oil !

I decided to use this in my air diffuser

Just because they're famous for their handmade soaps, thats definitely not all that they have to offer. As eager that im tempted to try their soaps, i have to say that im surprised to find out that they sell essential oil's too! I got mine in peppermint, and usually i like to use essential oils in my air diffuser. Or if you like going for body massages, you can also use this too by rubbing over your skin while it moisturizes the skin as you inhale the relaxing aroma of the essential oil. You can check out more products from them by visiting ilsasoapwagon.com.

BonBons Handmade Accessories

A pink bow from Bonbons

Handmade to perfection

And last but not least, i got myself a cute bow clip from BonBons Handmade Accessories! Its unbelievable that this is handmade, cause the finishing of it is absolutely flawless. I can actually tell that its made with tender loving care to be given to new owners of it. I think for those who subscribed for CubeCrate boxes, you'll all get random colours of the bow, but im glad i got mine in maroon pink cause it happens to be one of my favourite colour! Hehe.

How i prefer to wear it

I guess with my lippie balm in my handbag, just to complete my girly girl look for today is to clip this bow to my hair to complete my look while it keeps my hair in place. You can always check out www.facebook.com/-bonsbons if youre tempted to check out the collection. Their handmade accessories would be great presents and gifts for those who admire handmade items and who are also a girl at heart. I saw a few headpieces that are really cute too, so why not check them out to see if anything would catch your eye. *wink

New mysterious subscription offer

And thats about it! Thanks for giving me reasons to pamper myself cubecrate, and honestly, i cant wait to go for high tea with my friends to show off my cute new bow. Teehee. So gais, if youre loving what im talking about here, you can always visit http://cubecrate.com.my for more information on how you can subscribe for your very own cubecrate for yourself too! Do not hessitate to leave me a comment below if you have any enquiries about CubeCrate. I would love to get personal with you ;)

Signing off, Sara xx

[EVENT] Watsons #Palingsyok Campaign

Presenting the VIP's of the day.

Theres just something about Watsons, that makes us as consumers feel extra special. Now Watsons VIP members can look forward to an exciting reward o celebrate its 6^th anniversary with Watsons #PalingSyok Members sale and rewards which will be kicking off nationwide from 1^st to the 27^th of September in West Malaysia and 8^th September to 3^rd October  in East Malaysia.

Mandatory backdrop selfie

The campaign was an opportunity for Watsons to thank Watsons VIP members who has been with them from the beginning to see them grow into what they are today. The campaign launch was held at Live House Kuala Lumpur at TREC where guests were treated to an exclusive preview of the Watsons #PalingSyok viral video which will be made available on live in September onwards. The video features top male model, Kit Mah who shared with us that he had to practice some difficult movements to perfect the video. Below would be the Male and Female versions to welcome the #PalingSyok Campaign. 

I think we can confidently say that that Watsons has always provided the VIP experience for their VIP members with money cant buy experience through many exciting engagements in the past. And just to recall a few, it think we all would remember being involved with MTV World Stage 2015, TLC Festival 2015 and their very own Watsons Move Your Body Zumba 2015 with gathering over 7000 people together at one event. That’s pretty cray! And don’t get me started with the events they rewarded VIP members this year.

The main mascots for the campaign, ft. Kit Mah

In conjunction with the Watsons #PalingSyok campaign, Watsons will be having a members sale up to 50% throughout September and also will be rewarding members with a Watsons Cash Voucher worth RM200 when VIP members purchase a minimum of RM50 in a single receipt. Not to forget that members will be able to save more by redeeming their VIP points too!

A #PalingSyok Performance

Watsons also put it a surprise when a model turned up in a dress made from Watsons VIP Card and revealing a birthday cake to commemorate Watsons VIP Card 6^th Anniversary celebration.  Its no wonder that there were so many Watsons celebrity friends who were also present on that day to celebrate the occasion.

Celebrating their 6th Anniversary!

In conjunction with Watsons VIP members anniversary celebration, Watsons is also partnering with 11street for #PalingSyok rewards on www.11street.my from 8^th September to 26^th September. And FYI, Watsons VIP members who purchase any products sold by Watsons on 11street will earn double members points. Additionally, there will also be four exclusive offers each week and these also come with gift-with-purchase options. YAY!

Just because i think the wall deco is cool!

And there you have it! Just simply more reasons to shop at Watsons Malaysia. 11street will be offering free delivery for every purchase above RM50 and a 20% percent discount with any purchase, so be sure to not miss out on that. For more information head on over to www.watsons.com.my. 

Sara xx

[REVIEW] Nescafé Gold Blend Barista Machine

The Nescafé Gold Barista Machine

If youre a coffee lover, you came to the right place. Today i'll be talking about the Nescafe Gold Blend Barista Machine and i'll be sharing a thing or two about what i think about it. This barista machine has been designed to be paired with the Nescafé Gold Blend and alternatively other freeze-dried coffee options. The idea of this machine is basically to make sure that coffee lovers will be able to get the freshly grind coffee being made available at home.

Nescafé will be launching Nescafe Gold Blend Barista Machine on the 14th of September 2016 which will be available on Lazada, so be sure to stay tuned on that as theres a special launch promotion happening for a limited time, and its definitely cheaper than the original retail price.

MACHINE OVERVIEW

Nescafé Gold Barista Machine's User Manual

Machine Overview

Every box of the Nescafe Gold Blend Barista Machine comes with an easy to read user manual. And i  admit that i love pictorials instead of the wordy kinds, making it easy to understand on how to use it without making mistakes (or maybe minimizing on mistakes instead) haha.

IMPRESSION

Preparing Beverages

After about 3 weeks of using this Barista Coffee Machine, i have to admit that i love that it makes five different styles of coffee at a touch of a button, namely espresso, lungo, Americano, cappuccino, and latte macchiato. So imagine waking up, and it would take you less than 5 minutes to prepare your morning cup of coffee. Saving you the time from boiling water, getting the right measurements of your coffee and sugar, and milk out of the fridge. Doesnt sound too bad ey?

FIRST TIME USE PROCEDURE

The Water Tank

Be sure to fill the water tank at least 1/3 full

Before using the machine, you may need to rinse it through first. To do so, fill in about 1/3 of water into the water tank and dont forget to place a cup under the coffee outlet. Be sure to put drinking water in the tank to prevent any errors.

Click the espresso icon to rinse

Then once you have filled the water tank with water, switch the machine on and wait for about 25 seconds for the machine to warm up. Once the green blinking stops, touch the espresso icon and let the rinsing begin. Also, a gently reminder to make sure that you have a cup at the dispenser, cause once you've touch the button, hot water will be rinsing through. After rinsing is done, machine is ready for use!

ADD YOUR NESTLÉ GOLD COFFEE

Remove the Coffee Box

Remove the cover

Add in your Nescafé Gold Blend

But of course, you cant make coffee without the coffee right? So here's a pictorial on how i added my coffee in. Push the top cover and open it and remove the coffee box. Remove the gold cap and add the Nescafé Gold Blend, (in my case, i used the funnel provided in the box so that it avoids spilling my coffee as im a little clumsy). Next, once you've filled your coffee box with coffee, re-attach the cap and insert the coffee box back to the machine. Easy no?

MAKING YOUR CUP OF COFFEE

Preparing your beverages

Add milk first if you're preparing a cappuccino or a latte macchiato

Now for the fun part, preparing your coffee. Im not a fan of pure black coffee, so i would prefer either a cappucino or latte macchiato. But these two drinks requires milk. Since there is no milk dispenser, you may need to add the milk in the cup first before making your coffee. You can choose to use a measuring cup to measure the suggested amount of milk, or you can do how i do it. The malaysian 'spontan' way. 

Touch icon once your cup is prepared.

When preparing a cup of cappuccino or latte macchiato, again, a reminder to add fresh milk into your cup first, then let the machine amaze you by creating milk foam instantly right in front of your eyes. The machine literally shoots pulses of hot water into the cup to steam and froth the milk to the necessary texture, before dispensing coffee. I have to say that it was rather fascinating to watch my coffee being prepared for me without need me putting any other effort.

Machine shooting pulses of hot water to create foam

Coffee layers added

And viola! Its as easy as a push of a button, literally. I love how the aroma tempt me and of course the fact that i can control how milky i want my coffee to be (since i like it extra milky) Hehe. Also, please note that you may also need to add in sugar once your coffee is done, unless you like it without sugar.

VERDICT

And my cup of latte machiato is complete!

As a verdict, i would say that Nescafé has made it super convenient for coffee lovers to prepare their own Barista Style Coffee at home via DIY. It will be launched exclusively on Lazada on the 14th of September 2016 with a launch promo where when you buy the Nescafé Barista Machine with 1 Nescafe Gold Blend 200gm Jar with 1 Nescafe Gold Blend Refill Pack, it will only be priced at RM239.00 (For a limited time only). The original retail price will be at RM399, so if you've been looking for a barista coffee machine, be sure to stay tuned for the launch and get yourself this Nescafé Gold Blend Barista Machine at a promotional price today! 

You can purchase your Nescafé Gold Blend Barista Machine by clicking : HERE

AirAsia X SimplySiti Collaboration

AirAsia X SimplySiti Collaboration launch

AirAsia BIG Duty-Free proudly announced a collaboration with SimplySiti, and if you're a fan of Siti Nurhaliza, you would definitely be familiar with this hugely popular beauty brand. Being a frequent traveler, I think most of us would always have AirAsia in mind ever since they made it possible to fly almost anywhere at the lowest cost. (Thanks, AirAsia) And I am truly proud that AirAsia has taken another huge step into including our homegrown brands like SimplySiti to be available on flight and on their online stores.

The AirAsia Edition of SimplySiti

In conjunction with the collaboration, SimplySiti has decided to have an exclusive range for AirAsia which would be the 'Simply Elegant 2 Way Cake - AirAsia Edition' and the 'Simply Elegant Lip Gloss Duo - AirAsia Edition' which will be available on board all AirASia and AirAsia X flights from  1st September onwards. Both these products also features an exclusive signature mark of Siti Nurhaliza to add a little exclusivity to the collection too!

Simply Elegant 2 Way Cake with Exclusive signature by Siti Nurhaliza

Coverage swatch

To celebrate the launch of the collaboration, the Korean-made products will be sold at a promotional price of only RM54 each on board AirAsia and AirAsia X flights from 1st September until 30th September 2016. Or if you prefer to purchase via online, you can always head over to the website at bigdutyfree.com. Both the special edition products are from SimplySiti's best-sellers range of products and are not available for purchase elsewhere making it entirely exclusive.

Simply Elegant Lip Gloss with Exclusive signature by Siti Nurhaliza

Swatches of the gloss duo

AirAsia BIG Duty-Free is AirAsia's travel retail portal which promises the biggest selection of duty-free brands and merchandise product, big deals and big surprises for its online shoppers. And personally, I love how its tax-free and its super convenient as I admit that I would pre-book my purchases conveniently to be delivered to my seats on my next flight on AirAsia X. YASSS! (WHY YOU DO DIS TO ME AIRASIA) Haha. I'm spending more than I should, but whateves. YOLO guys.

Mandatory group shot of the VIP's

And there you have it, guys, now you won't have to worry if you forgot your compact or gloss cause you can simply purchase it on AirAsia flights. For latest updates on promotions and activities, please follow AirAsia's facebook at facebook.com/airasia.